A novel pathosystem between Aeschynomene evenia and Aphanomyces euteiches reveals new immune components in quantitative legume root-rot resistance.

Abstract

Legumes are pivotal for sustainable agriculture, yet their productivity is hindered by soilborne pathogens such as Aphanomyces euteiches. This study introduces Aeschynomene evenia as a novel model to investigate legume immunity and its interplay with Nod factor-independent symbiosis (NFIS). Inoculation of A. evenia accessions with A. euteiches strains revealed a range of quantitative resistance levels. Phenotypic and cytological analyses showed a compatible interaction, including root browning, intracellular colonisation, and oospore production; along with partial resistance traits such as phenolic accumulation at the endodermal barrier. Transcriptomic analyses at 1 and 3 dpi identified 3,403 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), with upregulated genes associated with pathogen perception, immune signalling and specialised metabolite biosynthesis. Kinase-mediated signalling, ROS homeostasis, and WRKY transcription factors were among the most enriched functional categories. Comparative transcriptomics with Medicago truncatula confirmed conserved immune responses, while A. evenia displayed broader transcriptional repression. Integration with symbiotic transcriptomic data revealed overlapping gene signatures, including AeRLCK2 and AeCRK, previously found to be NFIS-specific, as putative dual-function kinases. Aerlck2 and Aecrk mutants exhibited enhanced resistance to A. euteiches, supporting their roles in immune regulation. This work positions A. evenia-A. euteiches as a valuable system to dissect legume quantitative resistance and its intersection with symbiosis.